KUPPET Issues Seven-Day Strike Notice and Demands
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has issued a seven-day strike notice, with the strike expected to commence on August 26, 2024.
Kuppet has outlined several demands that they insist the government must meet before the strike occurs.
Kuppet’s Secretary General, Akello Misori, emphasized the need for teachers to be assured that their promotions are secure.
He stated that teachers are the only public servants without group life cover, while all others benefit from it. Misori insisted that enhancing their medical cover is crucial and must be addressed urgently.
Employment of Intern Teachers
Misori criticized the Teacher Service Commission (TSC) for its failure to employ the 46,000 intern teachers as previously expected.
He described the current situation as poor labor practice, highlighting that professionals are being improperly engaged as interns.
Misori also warned parents against sending their children to school during the strike, as teachers would not be present.
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He stated that the union had mandated him to inform the public that no teacher would be in school on August 26, 2024, and any parent who sends their children to school would be doing so at their own risk.
On August 7, 2024, Kuppet, along with the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut), expressed concern over the worsening working conditions.
They accused the TSC of backtracking on previously agreed terms and demanded the full implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Failure to meet these demands, they warned, would result in industrial action.
Budget Cuts and Their Impact
The government had reduced TSC’s recurrent budget by Sh10.2 billion, a cut that was confirmed by TSC CEO Nancy Macharia during her appearance before the Departmental Committee on Education on May 14 and 15, 2024.
She reported that this budget reduction would delay the implementation of the second phase of the 2021-2025 CBA, which had been allocated Sh10 billion.
The committee chair, Julius Melly, noted in a report that the budget cut could lead to strikes, disruptions in public schools, and potential legal challenges.
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He pointed out that the delay in implementing the CBA would result in teachers not receiving the salary increments they were promised.
The committee advised the government that avoiding industrial unrest is essential, especially given the current fragile situation in the country, and urged that the necessary funds be allocated to prevent further issues.
KUPPET Issues Seven-Day Strike Notice and Demands
